Suzi Green

Principal Planner, Suzi Green, questions whether there is a long-term vision for Central Milton Keynes in the backdrop of a rapidly changing development context.

In March this year, the Nutrient Neutrality announcement marked big news in the planning world effectively halting development in the Norfolk area. However, a different spanner has been in the works in Hertfordshire (and neighbouring shires) – the Chilterns Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

The current Local Government structure in Hertfordshire, comprising the County Council and ten district and borough Councils, is increasingly likely to change. Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) has revealed it has commissioned consultants to look at options for “structural reform”. The high-level report identifies options, two of which would create a completely new arrangement for Hertfordshire in the form or either a single unitary or the creation of two unitary authorities. The proposals will, however, face opposition as the Leaders of the 10 other councils have said they oppose the plans.

The Housing Delivery Test (HDT) results for 2020 have now been published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). Senior Planner, Suzi Green gives her commentary on the results and what this means for development opportunities in our region.

The January 2021 meeting of the Hertfordshire Growth Board outlined the ongoing work programme for the South West Hertfordshire Joint Strategic Plan. Hemel Garden Communities and Watford Junction Quarter are examples of the emerging development within the strategic growth corridors going forward. The Housing Delivery Test (2020) results for Hertfordshire engages the presumption in favour of sustainable development for seven local planning authorities including North Hertfordshire, Stevenage and St Albans.

The digitisation of the planning process is an opportunity to engage with groups historically excluded from planning - the disabled, ethnic minorities and the young – as well those who might wish to move in to an area, says Senior Planner Suzi Green.